Foresters are in the midst of the most challenging international period of their lifetimes. As the world shrinks at a rate never before experienced, forestry issues have reached a level of unprecedented prominence on the global agendas of presidents and prime ministers, legislators, the news media, international organizations, land managers, and even the general public. Worldwide concern over possible global warming, tropical deforestation, loss of biological diversity, and acid rain has thrust foresters into an international arena which is unfamiliar to many. Foresters have an opportunity to contribute to an improved quality of life of a global society like never before. And in the process, they will learn much of immediate benefit to programs close to home. What are the key international forestry issues? How can foresters contribute? How can we learn? Here are some of my thoughts.